Chapter 2: Problem 3

Why are helium and neon non-reactive?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The non-reactivity of helium and neon can be attributed to their electron configurations, which result in complete outer electron shells. Both elements are part of Group 18, the noble gases, known for their stable and low-energy state. This stability makes them less likely to interact with other atoms in chemical reactions, thus rendering them non-reactive.

Step by step solution

Understanding the structure of helium and neon

Helium (He) and neon (Ne) are both elements in Group 18 of the periodic table, which is known as the noble gases group. Helium has an atomic number of 2, meaning it has two electrons, while neon has an atomic number of 10, meaning it has ten electrons.

Electron configuration of helium and neon

The electron configuration of helium is \(1s^2\) and that of neon is \(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6\). In both cases, their outermost electron shells are completely filled. In the case of helium, its first electron shell is filled with two electrons, and in the case of neon, its second electron shell is filled with a total of eight electrons (two in the 2s subshell and six in the 2p subshell).

The concept of stable electron configurations

Atoms are generally more stable when their outermost electron shells are complete. A complete outer shell (also known as a valence shell) indicates that the atom has reached a low-energy state where it is less likely to interact with other atoms and accept or donate electrons. This stability is a critical aspect of why helium and neon are non-reactive.

Relationship with other elements in the periodic table

In the periodic table, elements are organized by their electron configurations. As we move across a period (horizontal row) from left to right, the number of electrons in the outer shell increases until it reaches the Group 18 elements (noble gases), which have complete outer shells. The fact that helium and neon are both noble gases indicates that they share the property of having stable, complete outer electron shells.

Explaining their non-reactivity

In summary, the non-reactivity of helium and neon can be attributed to their electron configurations, resulting in complete outer electron shells. This confers a high degree of stability to these atoms, making them less likely to interact with other atoms in chemical reactions.

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Why are helium and neon non-reactive?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding the structure of helium and neon

Electron configuration of helium and neon

The concept of stable electron configurations

Relationship with other elements in the periodic table

Explaining their non-reactivity

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